EXPERT
Dr. Lynn M. OConnor, M.D.
Colon & Rectal Surgeon
Dr. Lynn OConnor is a colon and rectal surgeon practicing in Atlanta, GA. Dr. OConnor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. As a colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. OConnor often treats conditions like rectal cancer, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and diverticulitis. Colon and rectal surgeons may be referred to you by your gastroenterologist if your doctor believes you need a surgical procedure.
Dr. Lynn M. O'Connor, M.D.
- HUNTINGTON, NY
- Accepting new patients
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Intestinal discomfort after enema accident?
Enemas have been used as an effective means to evacuate stool from the lowest portion of the GI tract in chronically constipated patients. Perforation from enema usage, however READ MORE
Enemas have been used as an effective means to evacuate stool from the lowest portion of the GI tract in chronically constipated patients. Perforation from enema usage, however rare, can cause a serious and life threatening situation. Patients who are experiencing symptoms, should contact their primary care physician for further guidance and evaluation or present to their local Emergency Room.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
IBS or IBD?
There are many reasons that the abdominal CT scan can show haziness of the left colon. There are also various forms of “colitis” that can cause haziness such as Ulcerative Colitis, READ MORE
There are many reasons that the abdominal CT scan can show haziness of the left colon. There are also various forms of “colitis” that can cause haziness such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Colitis, infectious colitis, as well as ischemic colitis. The colonoscopy and possible biopsy is a procedure that can aid in the diagnosis.
Good luck!
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Good luck!
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Is it difficult to use the bathroom after rectal surgery?
Many patients do experience pain using the bathroom after anorectal surgery. It’s normal to have some pain. Most times, sitz baths and pain medication provided by your physician READ MORE
Many patients do experience pain using the bathroom after anorectal surgery. It’s normal to have some pain. Most times, sitz baths and pain medication provided by your physician will help ease the discomfort during the post-op period. Each week the discomfort should get gradually less and less. Your doctor may also provide stool softeners to aid with bowel movements. If the pain doesn’t improve or is increasing in intensity rather than getting better, it is important to call your physician immediately.
How long is the recovery from bowel surgery?
Recovery from bowel surgery depends on the reason for the surgery, the extent of the surgery, the patient’s medical co-morbidities and illnesses and the type of surgical approach. READ MORE
Recovery from bowel surgery depends on the reason for the surgery, the extent of the surgery, the patient’s medical co-morbidities and illnesses and the type of surgical approach. Minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery generally have a shorter hospital stay, less pain, better cosmetic outcome and quicker recovery. There are enhanced recovery protocols that your hospital may have in place to aid in your recovery. Ask about those protocols during your surgical consultation.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Mercy Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital
Colon and Rectal Surgery of New York
195 East Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
www.colonandrectalsurgeryofnewyork.com<http://www.colonandrectalsurgeryofnewyork.com/>
Loconnor@crsnewyork.com
(o) 631-350-6277
(f) 631-350-2966
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Mercy Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital
Colon and Rectal Surgery of New York
195 East Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
www.colonandrectalsurgeryofnewyork.com<http://www.colonandrectalsurgeryofnewyork.com/>
Loconnor@crsnewyork.com
(o) 631-350-6277
(f) 631-350-2966
How to stop getting hemorrhoids?
Hi,
Hemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions we are born with. They are normal parts of our body. Straining and constipation can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids READ MORE
Hi,
Hemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions we are born with. They are normal parts of our body. Straining and constipation can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids as does sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time without having a bowel movement. Many people are guilty of taking books, magazines, newspapers and their smart phones or devices into the bathroom while having their bowel movement -thus prolonged the time they are sitting on the toilet and contributing to hemorrhoid flares.
There are many ways to treat hemorrhoids and surgery is one of them. Additionally conservative management with creams, suppositories and dietary changes, rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation and injection sclerotherapy are other ways to treat hemorrhoids. A discussion with you primary care physician who can refer you to a specialist such as a colorectal surgeon would be a great first start to identifying the correct diagnosis and finding the right treatment plan for you.
Hemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions we are born with. They are normal parts of our body. Straining and constipation can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids as does sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time without having a bowel movement. Many people are guilty of taking books, magazines, newspapers and their smart phones or devices into the bathroom while having their bowel movement -thus prolonged the time they are sitting on the toilet and contributing to hemorrhoid flares.
There are many ways to treat hemorrhoids and surgery is one of them. Additionally conservative management with creams, suppositories and dietary changes, rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation and injection sclerotherapy are other ways to treat hemorrhoids. A discussion with you primary care physician who can refer you to a specialist such as a colorectal surgeon would be a great first start to identifying the correct diagnosis and finding the right treatment plan for you.
Do I need colon and rectal surgery?
It is a good idea to have a consultation with a colon and rectal surgeon to fully assess the extent of your disease and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Despite the longevity READ MORE
It is a good idea to have a consultation with a colon and rectal surgeon to fully assess the extent of your disease and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Despite the longevity of certain conditions, surgery may not be required.
Why do I have rectal bleeding?
Rectal bleeding can come from many different causes. People can experience rectal bleeding from benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas to bleeding polyps or READ MORE
Rectal bleeding can come from many different causes. People can experience rectal bleeding from benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas to bleeding polyps or cancers. If you have not yet had a colonoscopy, see your primary care physician for a referral for one now.
When do you see a rectal surgeon?
The time to see a colorectal surgeon is now. Pain going to the bathroom can come from a variety of issues ranging from benign disease to malignant cancers. Pain can be caused from READ MORE
The time to see a colorectal surgeon is now. Pain going to the bathroom can come from a variety of issues ranging from benign disease to malignant cancers. Pain can be caused from problems such as anal fissures, abscesses and even cancers. There are many reasons a patient can have pain when going to the bathroom. It’s important to have these complaints checked and not to ignore signs and symptoms. A colorectal surgeon is trained to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
How long does a colectomy take?
The time frame for a colectomy varies widely depending on the type of colectomy whether it’s partial, subtotal or complete, the approach to surgery whether it’s open or minimally READ MORE
The time frame for a colectomy varies widely depending on the type of colectomy whether it’s partial, subtotal or complete, the approach to surgery whether it’s open or minimally invasive with small instruments or cameras, the reason for the colectomy such as malignant versus benign disease and patient characteristics such as size, prior surgeries and medical co- morbidities. Depending on all of the above situations your surgeon should be able to provide a reasonable estimate of time for the procedure barring any unforeseen circumstances. There are times when circumstances are found intra-operatively that are beyond their control which may prolong a procedure.
What are the treatment options for colon polyps?
Depending on the number and types of polyps treatment can vary. For colon polyps found on routine colonoscopy that are few in number, the treatment options are either endoscopic READ MORE
Depending on the number and types of polyps treatment can vary. For colon polyps found on routine colonoscopy that are few in number, the treatment options are either endoscopic removal during a colonoscopy or surgical resection if they are too large to be safely or completely removed during the colonoscopy. If colon polyps are numerous and associated with hereditary syndromes, consultation with a colorectal surgeon for discussion of treatment options would be the next step.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Can family history play a role in hemorrhoids?
Some studies have indicated that your family history can predispose one to have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus. Hemorrhoids can be caused READ MORE
Some studies have indicated that your family history can predispose one to have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus. Hemorrhoids can be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, constipation, heavy lifting, obesity and straining. The best method for prevention is avoidance of straining with bowel movements, eating foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not waiting to heed the call of a bowel movement.
What causes chronic hemorrhoids?
There are many issues in the anal region that are mistaken for hemorrhoidal disease. Hemorrhoids are normal parts of our body but can become irritated with chronic straining and READ MORE
There are many issues in the anal region that are mistaken for hemorrhoidal disease. Hemorrhoids are normal parts of our body but can become irritated with chronic straining and constipation. Weight gain has also been thought to be associated with hemorrhoids. As this appears to be a chronic problem for you, it would be beneficial for you to see you doctor for a thorough exam and accurate diagnosis as there are many issues that can be mistaken for hemorrhoidal disease.
Are hemorrhoids curable?
Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue in the anus filled with blood vessels. They are normal parts of our body that can become abnormal with swelling, pain, engorgement and bleeding. READ MORE
Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue in the anus filled with blood vessels. They are normal parts of our body that can become abnormal with swelling, pain, engorgement and bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be treated via several means such as surgery, rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, injection sclerotherapy and conservative means with dietary adjustment and bowel management.
Is a colon resection major surgery?
Yes, a colon resection is considered major abdominal surgery, however it can be performed in a minimally invasive way via laparoscopic or robotic surgery. That type of surgery READ MORE
Yes, a colon resection is considered major abdominal surgery, however it can be performed in a minimally invasive way via laparoscopic or robotic surgery. That type of surgery may offer the advantages of a shorter hospitalization stay, less pain, quicker recovery and a better cosmetic result.
Do polyps need to be surgically removed?
Many polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy with a polypectomy. Colon polyps that may be too large to be safely removed via endoscopy or those that are found to be large READ MORE
Many polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy with a polypectomy. Colon polyps that may be too large to be safely removed via endoscopy or those that are found to be large and cancerous may need to be removed surgically. Your doctor will discuss those options with you after the colonoscopy.
Does polypectomy mean surgery?
A polypectomy usually can be completed as an outpatient procedure during a colonoscopy. It also depends on the location, pathology and size of the polyp whether or not it can be READ MORE
A polypectomy usually can be completed as an outpatient procedure during a colonoscopy. It also depends on the location, pathology and size of the polyp whether or not it can be completely removed without surgery. Your doctor will let you if they were successful after the colonoscopy or whether further intervention may be warranted.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
What are the symptoms of colitis?
Signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea, often with blood or pus, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal pain or rectal bleeding, passing a small amount of blood with stool, READ MORE
Signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea, often with blood or pus, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal pain or rectal bleeding, passing a small amount of blood with stool, urgency to defecate, weight loss and fatigue. If you think you may have any abnormality of the intestinal tract it is important to discuss the signs and symptoms with your physician, who may refer you for a colonoscopy.
Will surgery treat hemorrhoids?
Lots of times patient have ano-rectal discomfort and attribute it to hemorrhoidal disease, when it may be something other than a hemorrhoid. It would be prudent to see your physician READ MORE
Lots of times patient have ano-rectal discomfort and attribute it to hemorrhoidal disease, when it may be something other than a hemorrhoid. It would be prudent to see your physician for a complete history and physical to ensure the diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Hemorrhoids can be treated in a variety of ways and may not require surgery.
Should I be concerned about rectal bleeding after surgery?
It is normal to have some rectal bleeding after hemorrhoid surgery. However if the bleeding is continuous, there is significant pain, pus, fever, chills, shakes or symptoms that READ MORE
It is normal to have some rectal bleeding after hemorrhoid surgery. However if the bleeding is continuous, there is significant pain, pus, fever, chills, shakes or symptoms that were not discussed, the best option would be to call your physician and go into for postoperative evaluation.
Are hemorrhoids ever surgically removed?
There are several different types of hemorrhoids such as internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids and thrombosed external hemorrhoids. Surgery can be performed to remove hemorrhoids, READ MORE
There are several different types of hemorrhoids such as internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids and thrombosed external hemorrhoids. Surgery can be performed to remove hemorrhoids, however, there are other methods of treatment depending on type, location, and size. Hemorrhoids can treated with rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, as well as infrared coagulation. It is important to follow up with a specialist for further evaluation.
